Quetta, July 23 – Chief Minister Balochistan, Mir Sarfraz Bugti, has said that the ongoing anti-state activities in the province are a result of historical misconceptions and misleading narratives. Speaking at the 16th National Workshop on Balochistan, he emphasized the need to recognize past realities to understand the region’s challenges today.
The event was attended by key provincial figures including Dr. Rubaba Buledi, Mir Rehmat Saleh Baloch, Waja Khair Jan Baloch, Hamza Shafqaat (ACS Home), Zahid Saleem (ACS Development), and government spokesperson Shahid Rind.
Misconceptions About Balochistan Must End
CM Bugti noted that misconceptions about Balochistan persist across Pakistan. He stressed that only historical awareness and education can challenge these false beliefs. He highlighted the contrasting political legacies of Nawab Khair Bakhsh Marri (a separatist) and Mir Ghaus Bakhsh Bizenjo (a constitutional democrat) to show the importance of understanding Balochistan’s political diversity.
State vs Separatism: Only Constitutional Dialogue Possible
He made it clear that dialogue is open with youth who have concerns with the state, but those who take up arms or reject the Constitution will not be negotiated with. “No individual or group has the right to fight the state or impose parallel justice,” he added.
Terrorism Is Terrorism – No Matter the Label
CM Bugti firmly stated that whether terrorism is justified through religious extremism or ethnic nationalism, it cannot be condoned. He announced that a Provincial Action Plan has been finalized to ensure long-term peace through a robust security response system.
Missing Persons, Governance Reforms & Honour Killing Case
On the issue of missing persons, he said new legislation now ensures transparent investigations. In the governance sector, CM Bugti highlighted that 99.99% of public appointments have been made on pure merit, and anti-corruption bodies have been revitalized.
Referring to the Digari honour killing case, CM Bugti said that although no FIR was filed by the families, the state has become the complainant. “The government will ensure justice in this horrific case, and a transparent investigation is underway,” he added.
Toward Peace, Progress, and Prosperity
The Chief Minister ended the session with a Q&A with participants and distribution of commemorative shields. He reaffirmed that Balochistan’s future lies in peace, development, and prosperity, and that his mission is to build a stable and inclusive province.
